DATE POSTED
Tuesday, June 9, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Read John 15:12 in your Bible or click on it to read it online in the Amplified Bible (AMP).

“This is My commandment, that you love and unselfishly seek the best for one another, just as I have loved you.”

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

The Great U-Turn

Before Christ, we naturally follow the currents of this world. We operate under an earthly master, chasing what society labels as “best.” But when you accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, everything changes. You make a radical, 180-degree turn away from the old life and toward the life-example and teachings of Jesus.

These are two entirely different directions, fueled by opposite belief systems and intentions. This devotional is a gentle reminder of God’s truth, designed to help you look into the mirror of the Word and ask: Am I truly demonstrating my faith, or is it time to pray for a heart change? And if at some point you made that decision to follow Jesus, but in this series of devotionals see where you have slipped back into some of the ways demonstrated by Satan, then I would encourage you to seek God’s help for a return path toward righteousness.

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Before Christ: The World’s Identity

We often think of love as something that began the moment our mothers first looked into our infant eyes. That natural, human affection is beautiful—and it isn’t being second-guessed here.

If we look closely at how the world operates, where do we actually learn how to love? We piece it together from parents, neighborhood kids, school friends, and culture. As adults, we continue trying to imitate the people around us—at work, in social clubs, or even via casual religious affiliations.

But human love is conditional, and the Word sets a much higher standard:

• The Warning: “The one who does not love has not become acquainted with God… for God is love.” — 1 John 4:8 (AMP)
• The Reality Check: “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates (works against) his [Christian] brother he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.” — 1 John 4:20 (AMP)

Culture’s version of love is a shifting shadow. We are about to find out that our true plumbline for love is Jesus Christ. Stand by…

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After Christ: The Savior’s Standard

As born-again believers, the Word of God becomes our roadmap. We no longer look to culture to define our relationships; we look to Jesus.

In our focal verse, Jesus doesn’t give a suggestion—He gives a commandment to love one another. Notice what He doesn’t say. He doesn’t say to love only if you feel like it, or only if they love you back, or only if they are kind and helpful.

Jesus loved us while we were still sinners. God proved this by sending His unique Son to die on a cross for our eternal salvation. He did it so we would recognize the depth of true sacrifice. Now, He asks us to extend that exact same, unconditional love to others.

When you show Christlike love to someone who has never experienced it, they will notice. They might even test you to see if it’s just a show, or if you truly care for your brother, your coworker, or the person on the street corner. Remember, God didn’t segregate people at Calvary. Jesus died for everyone. Because He loves us all, we are commanded to love everyone.

It’s a “God-thing.” If you know Christ personally, you are called to love unconditionally—just like He loves you.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me first, even when I was still far from You. Forgive me for the times I have dragged old, worldly baggage into my walk with You, choosing to love only when it is easy or convenient. I want my life to reflect a true 180-degree turn. A life that imitates Your example and shows evidence of obedience to Your Word.

Holy Spirit, break down any areas of resentment or conditions I’ve placed on my love for others. Give me Your eyes for my family, my coworkers, and even the strangers I pass on the street. Let Your love be perfected in me so clearly that when the world looks at my life, they don’t see a show—they see Jesus. Measure my heart by Your plumbline today.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!